Treatments for Eating Disorders

People with eating disorders often do not recognize or admit that they have a problem. As a result, they may resist starting and staying in treatment. The person involved has to want to change. Family members or other trusted people can help to ensure that the person with an eating disorder receives needed care and rehabilitation. For some people, treatment may be long-term. Relapse is common and is part of the process, especially during times of stress.

Eating disorders can be successfully treated. The sooner the disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Because of their complexity, eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan. Medications and therapy will help change behaviors and coping mechanisms. These steps will also help with recognizing signs that can lead to a relapse.

The goals of treatment vary with the specific disorder, but in general, they include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Eating disorders: About more than food. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml. Updated 2014. Accessed May 18, 2016.

Eating disorders in over 8s: management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg9/chapter/1-Guidance. Updated January 2004. Accessed May 18, 2016.